2027: Choice of Amaechi as running mate will cost Atiku presidential victory – Analysts

Public affairs and political commentators from Southern Nigeria have criticized the selection of former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar, the presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress, in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Reports from DAILY POST indicate that Amaechi, who competed against Atiku in the ADC presidential primary, has recently been chosen to be the running mate of the former vice president.

Amaechi’s selection has generated varied reactions among supporters of the ADC.

The newly appointed spokesperson for Atiku, Kenneth Okonkwo, who transitioned from being a Nollywood actor to a politician, recently expressed disapproval regarding Amaechi’s selection for this role.

Public affairs experts from Southern Nigeria, including Johnson Iheanacho, Eniafe Ayomide, and Anga Fidelis, issued a statement on Friday expressing that the former transportation minister could jeopardize the ex-VP's chances of winning in the upcoming 2027 election.

“This raises important questions. Is Atiku Abubakar aware of the substantial hopes that Nigerians from all six geopolitical regions are placing in his campaign? Does Atiku genuinely aim to secure victory in the 2027 presidential elections, or, as stated by Amaechi, does he merely intend to run as a party candidate yet again, only to be defeated by Tinubu, reflecting a pattern of repeated failures? These inquiries are significant and relevant.

“If it is indeed true that Atiku has settled on Amaechi as his choice for a running mate, especially given that the electoral body’s timeline for this selection process has not concluded, it suggests that Amaechi’s previous criticisms of Atiku might hold some truth, and he is risking the aspirations and future of Nigerians. However, the implications extend beyond Atiku and the ADC, which is why we felt compelled to voice our concerns. If Atiku still wishes to have Amaechi in this role, he should be reminded of the widely known sentiments regarding this matter.

“With all due respect, it is possible that Atiku, despite being a pan-Nigerian with connections, business interests, and associates across the South West, South East, and South-South regions, may not fully grasp the political realities in the Niger Delta where Amaechi originates. Presently, Amaechi is considered a political burden, and it is a matter of fact that he might not even be able to secure support in his own ward within the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. If he fails to gain support in his ward, how can he expect to win over his local government area and, eventually, the entire state?
Most Nigerians agree that Tinubu should leave next year, but achieving this won't be straightforward, and everyone needs to contribute. Considering the landscape of Nigerian politics, Atiku is likely to receive significant backing and votes from the northern regions. While he works towards that objective, should he let himself be sidetracked by an Amaechi who has failed to win even one state in the eight states of his home region, the Niger Delta? He is unable to secure the necessary 25% of constitutional votes. If he couldn't succeed in eight states, what makes it plausible that he would perform well in the 17 states located in the southern region, which comprises South-South (six states), South-West (six states), and South-East (five states)? Let's be honest, it’s an impossible task, they remarked.